I’m not really a car guy anymore.

[RANDY P]

After all this, went to bed, got up and just went out and installed all new speakers and gear (deck) into my PU truck- dynamatted doors, did tuning, took all day, decided to do that as I was getting my morning coffee.

Boredom makes you do weird things. Oh well, use it or lose it.

rjp

[RSBob]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

I enjoyed reading all the responses and thank-you to DanielDudley for your contribution.

I am currently 49 and like all of you have been a gear head for decades, I've built some amazing cars over the years and I've decided to continue raising the bar. I've added 3D modelling, Solidworks, a 3D printer and other fabrication tools to my garage to make it fun, easier, more accurate and to develop or increase my technical skills.

I've never been much of a TV couch guy or Sports guy as I prefer messing around in the garage, the only time I watch TV is for an hour or so or a good movie to relax with my wife.

Typically I dream up projects much faster than I can execute and so my punch list is getting long.
But what is cool is that my neighbor who's well into his '70s and a huge gearhead, I keep him excited with the things I'm doing and he does the same for me. We basically live in each other's garage.

This year I am going to complete the following projects:
1) Turbocharge my 1986 BMW635 CSi...with a 400hp goal in mind
2) Complete a Haltech EFI in my Datsun 280ZX Turbo...with a 450hp goal in mind
3) Finish refurbishing my 1987 Porsche 928S4 Manual
4) Finish a whole bunch of things on my 1988 928S4 Manual
5) Finish a complete refurb on my 1979 Euro BMW 635 CSI
6) Finish a sympathetic restoration on my 1988 Mazda 323 GTX

That list should keep my out of trouble.
Yasin

Oh sorry, you posted on the wrong thread. This should go on “Why I am Still a Car Guy.”

Now back to the depressing, low testosterone, finding there is more to life than wrenching and you guys are all pussys, thread. Not my words, but those of an esteemed contributor.

[look 171]

Its been raining on and off here. Between chasing after a loose wire and a window of dry weather, I opted to beat myself up on a 40 mile bike ride instead. The decision was super easy. I will get to it tomorrow. How sad is that?

[RSBob]

That’s as sad as me doing 30 miles and 1500’ of hill climbing on my bike over the last two days and my legs are toast. But the season is early and I have no wires to chase.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

Except its a 100hp light

In that case, the same goes for your 200hp air cooled 911

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

And for the money I’d rather have a Miata.

Totally different car.
For the money, I'd rather have a Jeep

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

But what is cool is that my neighbor who's well into his '70s and a huge gearhead, I keep him excited with the things I'm doing and he does the same for me. We basically live in each other's garage.

That's a huge plus, both for knowledge transfer, and when you need a 3rd hand.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by RSBob

That’s as sad as me doing 30 miles and 1500’ of hill climbing on my bike over the last two days and my legs are toast. But the season is early and I have no wires to chase.

I have been riding for a little bit since the lock down 2-3 days a week. I pretty much stopped right before Christmas due to work and everything else. Now that I am back on the bike, i beat myself up over a 900' climb on each ride. Oh yeah, feel good with my tongue hanging pass my chest gasping for air. Since Monday, I got over 1800'in. Week is still young. Legs are sore, but not too bad now that I have been riding. Fun times. Better then oil running down my arm into my armpits.

[Noah930]

For a while, I thought I might be losing the car guy thing, too. I've been a car guy since birth, my parents would be sure to attest. Back when I was in high school, I had an older cousin tell my parents not to worry, as it was just a phase. 3 decades later I'm not sure it's just a phase, unless we're using geologic frames of reference.

I love driving. I'm a driver. Years ago there was a Road & Track issue about driving. They interviewed a bunch of famous racing drivers. Sam Posey mentioned that when he was a kid, he wasn't the smartest student, or the best athlete, or the smoothest kid with the girls. But when he got behind a wheel, it was he who was leading everyone else. I'm no Sam Posey, but I identified with that. Paul Newman mentioned that he had tried a bunch of different things: tennis, skiing, ballroom dancing. But it was racing that made him feel graceful. I'm no PJ Newman, but I identified with that as well.

So I bought a Porsche, because it was a car I had always wanted since childhood and because it was a great driver's car. I bought used one, because I couldn't afford a newer one. And because I can't be a total checkbook mechanic, I've learned to wrench on these cars somewhat. I enjoy understanding the mechanicals and take satisfaction in being able to fix/maintain stuff, but I don't necessarily love wrenching for wrenching's sake. But that's also why I bought a Porsche, because these cars are durable and reliable.

For the first decade or so, I drove the 930 frequently in a sporting fashion. We used to have a small group that would get together on Sunday mornings and run Mulholland and the surrounding canyons. But then we started auto crossing and tracking cars, and that group sort of dissolved. I think urban congestion and speed enforcement contributed to my loss of enthusiasm. I got collector insurance on the car and drove it a lot less.

But I've gone on a few vintage rallies, where we drive pretty much as fast (or slow) as we want on great roads in the middle of nowhere. I even recently added a 964 to the garage. And when I went on a drive last weekend, I had a blast just like before. These things aren't races, they're just briskly driven parades. But there's a little something in me that still wants to catch up to the pack in front, and keep the ones behind, well behind. It just takes the right drive to keep that 18 year-old's enthusiasm inside me going.

[Noah930]

But I have to admit that new cars (for the most part) don't do much for me. As exciting as a new 911 or GT4 would be (let alone the all the exotics you see running around LA, like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Mercedes GTs, etc), their ridiculous new car cost has me totally unable to and disinterested in buying them. They don't even catch my eye at car shows. I seem to gravitate more towards older stuff that's been maintained well. An old Bronco or FJ60. An FD RX-7 or a clean Fox body. Stuff that's not financial unobtainium, and has a bit of character.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Noah930

But I have to admit that new cars (for the most part) don't do much for me. As exciting as a new 911 or GT4 would be (let alone the all the exotics you see running around LA, like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Mercedes GTs, etc), their ridiculous new car cost has me totally unable to and disinterested in buying them. They don't even catch my eye at car shows. I seem to gravitate more towards older stuff that's been maintained well. An old Bronco or FJ60. An FD RX-7 or a clean Fox body. Stuff that's not financial unobtainium, and has a bit of character.

You like older stuff? That's because you are like me, getting into old man age and its all down hill form there. I am like you, love to drive as long as it has a steering wheel but find myself not interested in tearing apart, modifying or simply working on cars. I was going to change out the brakes pads on my Cayman, but ended up paying someone to do them instead. I was that close to doing it, had I started, it would have sat for three weeks.

Oh yeah, the exotics. I see them often but have no interest in them also. Don't know why?

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by look 171

You like older stuff?

I think we like something with a bit of character, a bit of soul.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

I think we like something with a bit of character, a bit of soul.

Hey, I tell ya, that GT3's got some character and a whole lotta soul.

[Bill Douglas]

Haha, I bet it has.

I'd probably crash it on the way home though.

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

In that case, the same goes for your 200hp air cooled 911

My air cooled 911 has 420hp and weighs less than a BRZ so I'm good.

[Won]

Do you guys think it's a generational thing? A natural progression of sorts. I imagine the original "hot rod" people were essentially building one-off cars from scratch with various bits. With air-cooled 911s, you could mix and match +/- some effort within the lineage. Water cooled cars are easier to mix and match in a sense that they're production engineered to share certain parts, but then all the electrical/control units get in the way of easy swap. Now what will happen to Taycan and beyond - can't imagine anyone will touch the e-drive train, suspension will be all electromagnetic, etc. You could probably change the wheels and put in a bespoke interior, if that. Being a "car guy" could mean something completely different soon.

[1990C4S]

I think people built hot-rods for three reasons. One, to express themselves and individualize their cars. Two, a stock car couldn't go fast enough to scare them. Three, because the cars were simple and it was relatively easy.

Only one of those things remains.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

The people who stay in this hobby are the people who have friends in the hobby, go to car shows, events, the track, whatever. The people we know in this hobby are a big part of the involvement for some of us. Order some parts, change those pads or get those new tires.
.

Car hobby is inherently a solitary hobby. It is the least social hobby of all my other hobbies and interests.
You wrench solo. You drive solo. You do track days solo (or with an instructor talking over a headset) You forum surf solo.

Car shows have little substance and engagement. There is nothing "active" about passively walking around a parking lot looking at parked cars. Museum vibe. At the muscle car kind, the aging owners bring their sofa and just sit next to their car for 6 hours. You go to one or two, and you've been to them all. There is one local show I try to talk myself into going each year, since there is a lot of walking involved. I don't even bring my 911, I just park in the commuter lot, walk for an hour, enjoy the early AM weather, see the same old cars, and go home. You will not meet new people, as you will talk to the people you went with. Like a concert.

Track is also not a place people make friends. Sure, you will chit chat with a dozen guys for a few minutes, but that is not a real friendship. People come from a 3 hour radius and no one lives near each other. Also, very few car guys over age 30 work on their cars anymore. A "friend" is not someone you see at the track 2x a year. That's merely an acquaintance. Huge difference.

I'm not afraid to say that many car guys are kind of dickish know-it-all types.
They are constantly insulting people with the "wrong" car.

• Corvettes suck, Mustangs suck, Camaros suck.
• 70s cars suck. 80s cars suck. 90s cars suck. All modern cars suck.
• Porsche AG sucks. BMW AG sucks.
• Automatic cars all suck. PDK sucks. SMG sucks.
• EV sucks. Elon sucks.
• Magnus sucks
• Driving fast sucks. Driving slow sucks.
• Turbo sucks. 4-cyl sucks. V8 sucks.
• Front engine sucks. Mid engine sucks. Rear engine sucks.
• FWD sucks. RWD sucks. AWD sucks. 4WD sucks.
• Honda sucks. Nissan sucks. Subaru sucks. Ford sucks. GM sucks. Benz sucks. BMW sucks. Hyundai sucks.
• Stealerships suck. Your indy sucks.
• Hot hatch sucks. Land barge sucks. Lotus sucks for DD.
• DIY sucks. People who don't DIY suck.
• Yellow cars suck. Brown cars suck. 70s colors suck.
• Modern car colors suck. All 4 of them.
• Miatas are for hairdressers, Boxsters are for secretaries,
• BMW sucks. Old BMW suck. New BMW suck.
• GTI sucks. Focus RS sucks. Golf R sucks. BRZ sucks. New Supra sucks.
• Japanese cars all suck. WRX STI sucks. Ricers suck.
• Camber Tuner Modders Stance bros all suck
• Snowflakes suck. Millennials all suck. Anyone younger than me sucks.
• Everything sucks, except me and my car!

You know what? Car guys suck, LOL!

Outside the challenges of DIY, I have many other hobbies that much more fulfilling, engaging, and social.
And filled with less bitter, judgmental and critical people with massive chips on their shoulders.

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I lusted after the 911 since 1965.

I am 65 now and I finally have the garage I dreamed of all my life.

With my 1986 El Camino about to roll to 370,000 miles and the 1985 911 at 175,000 miles there is always something to do on the cars. Always.
It took a lot of call to friends to find "the guy" that knows 1980s American cars and how to align them properly and not just what the computer says.

How did you get interested in Porsche in 1965? Why weren't you captivated by muscle cars, like everyone else?

Do you wish you built that garage earlier? Too little too late? I often think I will only DIY a few more years, if that. Will I then regret not having had a proper garage when I actually needed and wanted one.

Nice miles. Very cool to see someone who actually drives their garage trophy!

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

I think cost of a Porsche is a big part of it too. I drive my 01 miata and think "Geez, I could crash this into a wall and just buy another one". With the 996 4S, everything is over the top ridiculous money which I am not sure is worth the pleasure return.

Maybe selling and going to see other people's cars at show is the answer.

It's time to sell your car. It's a weekend toy. If you're too worried about money, then it's all wrong. If I crashed my 911, I would feel sad about my failed stewardship, but my life would not change at all. So, I don't think anything about money when I drive it. If anything, I marvel at how little the car has cost me, and wonder if I should start looking for ways to pump more money into it.

There are tons of affordable worry-free cars out there.
Miata, Mustang, BRZ, Mr2, Boxster, BMW, and dozens more.

Originally Posted by Noah930

But I have to admit that new cars (for the most part) don't do much for me. As exciting as a new 911 or GT4 would be (let alone the all the exotics you see running around LA, like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Mercedes GTs, etc), their ridiculous new car cost has me totally unable to and disinterested in buying them. They don't even catch my eye at car shows. I seem to gravitate more towards older stuff that's been maintained well. An old Bronco or FJ60. An FD RX-7 or a clean Fox body. Stuff that's not financial unobtainium, and has a bit of character.

I also have a mental block against exotics. They are for "other people". Going from BMW to 911 was a huge mental jump for me. But, this is the end of the line for me. I don't identify with the dude in the exotic. Plus, I have never bought a new car in my life, even though I could afford one. I am just too practical and value minded. But, that doesn't mean you can't like newer cars. I love my BRZ. What a great car. That is hopefully my "This is my patina filled 250k mile car, I've had it 32 years", like some of the guys here who have driven their 911 for 20-30 years

Originally Posted by look 171

I was that close to doing it, had I started, it would have sat for three weeks.

Oh yeah, the exotics. I see them often but have no interest in them also. Don't know why?

Why would brake pads take 3 weeks? I do all my DIY projects on Saturday morning. That gives me the entire day if things go astray. Why would you stop a brake job? Once you start, you just finish it. And the 2nd side always takes 50% less time, once you're in the zone of repeatability!

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

My air cooled 911 has 420hp and weighs less than a BRZ so I'm good.

At least you put your money where your mouth is! How does your car have 420hp? Got a build thread?

Originally Posted by Won

Being a "car guy" could mean something completely different soon.

It already is. Today's 20's kids are big into tuning. New intake, new exhaust, and new ECU coding. Flash the ECU is tirst thing a 20's kid gets for his WRX ....a laptop to mod the car. Nothing ever changes, only the names change.

[Cajundaddy]

Priorities change.

When I was 20 I had limited cash and unlimited energy and ambition. We tuned and hot-rodded racing motorcycles, Chevy and Nissan motors, rebuilt carbs, did clutch jobs, top ends, pulled motors, welded reinforcements, stripped and sand blasted chassis, paint and body, and more.

Now that I am older and have accomplished many of my goals in terms of racing and high performance builds, I have more cash and less energy and ambition. Over time I gradually did less of the heavy stuff and focused more on tuning, troubleshooting, and maintenance. My interest shifted from performance builds > performance driving > teaching performance driving > teaching the teachers.

When it comes to wrenching I pick my battles and farm out the projects I have no interest in doing myself anymore. Been there, done that, let the pros pull transmissions and do bearing jobs these days. Minor body work and paintless dent repair are still on the menu because it is time consuming but just requires a lot of patience, a little skill, and a good eye.

Still a car guy but not compelled to do it all myself anymore.

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

I'm not afraid to say that many car guys are kind of dickish know-it-all types.
They are constantly insulting people with the "wrong" car.
Corvettes suck, Mustangs suck, Camaros suck.
70s cars suck. 80s cars suck. 90s cars suck. All modern cars suck.
Porsche AG sucks. BMW AG sucks.
Automatic cars all suck. PDK sucks. SMG sucks.
Stealerships suck. Your indy sucks. My indy rules.
Land barge sucks. Lotus sucks for DD.
DIY sucks. People who don't DIY suck.
Yellow cars suck. Brown cars suck. 70s colors suck.
Miatas are for hairdressers, Boxsters are for secretaries,
BMW sucks. Old BMW suck. New BMW suck.
Japanese cars all suck. WRX STI sucks. Ricers suck.
Camber Tuner Modders Stance bros all suck
Everything sucks, except me and my car!
You know what? Car guys suck, LOL!




At least you put your money where your mouth is! How does your car have 420hp? Got a build thread?

Hilarious response, lots of truth there.

My 911 has a GT35 Turbo with an intercooler I designed.